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Dietary supplement

Zhi Zi Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Terra

Zhi Zi label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 30, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Zhi Zi against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Zhi Zi is a dietary supplement by Herbal Terra with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for liver and digestive complaints, fever and inflammation, anxiety, restlessness, and trouble sleeping.Based on those ingredients, 21 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are certified organic Zhi Zi (Gardenia jasminoides) dried fruit liquid extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Zhi Zi by Herbal Terra

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Zhi Zi by Herbal Terra — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Zhi Zi by Herbal Terra

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Oct 1, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: certified organic Zhi Zi (Gardenia jasminoides) dried fruit liquid extract. Gardenia is a traditional herbal remedy that's been used in herbal medicine for various purposes.

The only other ingredient listed is menstruum, which is the liquid used to extract and preserve the gardenia.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Gardenia product and its label doesn't state a use — see Gardenia's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for Zhi Zi to treat anxiety, dementia, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, or influenza is insufficient to rate at this time — meaning the studies either haven't been done, aren't strong enough, or haven't been clear enough for us to know whether it works for those conditions. If you're thinking about using it for any of these concerns, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether there's better-studied support for another approach.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Gardenia

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Human safety data on gardenia are limited, and large or long-term amounts haven't been well studied, so caution is warranted with regular or high-dose use. The most common side effect reported from topical exposure is allergic contact dermatitis (skin irritation) in sensitive people.

There's one case report of blue-gray skin pigmentation in someone who took a multi-ingredient product containing gardenia for 7 years — the discoloration gradually improved after stopping, but this underscores that long-term safety isn't well established. Because safety data are not adequate, the evidence advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Gardenia

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Gardenia.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 21 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're using any stimulant laxatives (Moderate interaction risk). No other medication interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check, but that's not a guarantee none exist.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Zhi Zi is a single-ingredient gardenia extract with limited human safety data and insufficient evidence to support its use for common conditions like anxiety, depression, or diabetes. It does interact with stimulant laxatives and should be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

If you're considering it, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist first — especially if you're taking any laxatives or have a history of skin sensitivity.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Zhi Zi, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Terra
Barcode (UPC) 0606595864371
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2020
DSLD ID 234426
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Zhi Zi by Herbal Terra, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
0606595864371
IngredientAmount% DV
certified organic Zhi Zi (Gardenia jasminoides) dried fruit liquid extract970 mg--

Other ingredients: Menstruum

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Direction Shake well before use. Adults take up to 30 drops (1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) in 3-4 fl. oz of juice or water up to 4 times a day. We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking this or any other herbal supplements.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

Notice This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Formulation

Manufactured in the USA in an FDA registered facility

Sugar free

Dried herb/menstruum ratio: 1:3 Expertly extracted Laboratory tested 330 mg/1 mL Premium product Super concentrated liquid herbal extract

Non GMO

No artificial ingredients, GMO, gluten, color additives, fillers, preservatives or binders. Natural Gluten Free

Precautions

Caution May have contraindications.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult a physician before using during pregnancy, if nursing, or if you are on any medications.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, dark place.

Formula

Gardenia jasminoides

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA Made in an FDA registered facility Natural Gluten Free

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Zhi Zi by Herbal Terra label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Zhi Zi label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Zhi Zi by Herbal Terra

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Certified organic Zhi Zi (Gardenia jasminoides) dried fruit liquid extract

Interacts with
21 drugs
970 mg per serving

Gardenia fruit has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine and is also used as a natural food coloring. While early lab and animal studies are...

Certified organic Zhi Zi (Gardenia jasminoides) dried fruit liquid extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Menstruum. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Zhi Zi by Herbal Terra Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Zhi Zi?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
21Drugs
21 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

certified organic Zhi Zi (Gardenia jasminoides) dried fruit liquid extract 21

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Zhi Zi interact with 21 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Zhi Zi interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. certified organic Zhi Zi (Gardenia jasminoides) dried fruit liquid extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Zhi Zi with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

certified organic Zhi Zi (Gardenia jasminoides) dried fruit liquid extract1 drug type · 21 drugs

Stimulant Laxatives

Theoretically, gardenia might increase the effects and adverse effects of stimulant laxatives.
Animal research shows that geniposide, a glucoside found in gardenia fruit, may function as a laxative and cause diarrhea when taken orally.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
certified organic Zhi Zi (Gardenia jasminoides) dried fruit liquid extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Zhi Zi, from the product label.

Herbal Terra

See all Herbal Terra products
Name
Herbal Terra
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Zhi Zi by Herbal Terra: Common Questions

Does Zhi Zi by Herbal Terra interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Zhi Zi has a known interaction with 21 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Zhi Zi contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Zhi Zi if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the safety data aren't adequate, so it's best to avoid it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you have questions.
What is gardenia supposed to do?
Gardenia has been used in herbal medicine for several purposes, including anxiety, depression, and diabetes. However, the current evidence isn't strong enough to confirm that it actually works for any of these.
What are the side effects of gardenia?
Limited information is available. The most common side effect from topical (skin) contact is allergic dermatitis in sensitive people. Orally, one case report noted blue-gray skin pigmentation after 7 years of a multi-ingredient product containing gardenia, though this is rare.
Can I take Zhi Zi with a laxative?
If you're using a stimulant laxative, check with your doctor or pharmacist first. Gardenia may increase both the effect and side effects of these drugs because it appears to have laxative properties of its own.
Why is this product called 'Zhi Zi'?
Zhi Zi is the traditional Chinese name for gardenia fruit (Gardenia jasminoides). This product is a liquid extract of that dried fruit.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Zhi Zi is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Zhi Zi label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Zhi Zi’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Gardenia

Interacts with 21 drugs

Gardenia fruit has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine and is also used as a natural food coloring. While early lab and animal studies are interesting, strong human evidence for i...

Read the full Gardenia monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Zhi Zi's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 5 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Gardenia 5 references
  1. Kubo, Y., Nonaka, S., and Yoshida, H. Allergic contact dermatitis from gardenia fruit. Contact Dermatitis 1990;22(2):65-7. PubMed
  2. Yamauchi, K., Fujimoto, N., Kuwano, S., Inouye, H., and Inoue, K. The mechanism of purgative action of geniposide, an iridoid glucoside of the fruit of Gardenia, in mice. Planta Med 1976;30(1):39-47.
  3. Paulsen, E., Skov, P. S., and Andersen, K. E. Immediate skin and mucosal symptoms from pot plants and vegetables in gardeners and greenhouse workers. Contact Dermatitis 1998;39(4):166-170. PubMed
  4. Mizawa M, Andoh T, Shimizu T. Gardenia fruit-related blue-gray skin pigmentation. JAMA Dermatol. 2020. PubMed
  5. Tong T, Fu J, Kong Y. Recurrent Abdominal Pain in a 61-Year-Old Woman. Gastroenterology 2023;164(6):887-890. PubMed

See these in context on the Gardenia monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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